Earnings & Payouts
Understanding payment release, payout methods, and tax documentation
On This Page
How Earnings Work
PayHeld uses a secure payment protection system to ensure you get paid for completed work. Here's the complete flow from project completion to money in your bank account.
Complete Earnings Flow
Client pays via Stripe → Funds immediately secured → You see "Payment Secured" status
Funds remain secured while you work → Protected from chargebacks → Client cannot withdraw
Upload deliverables → Status changes to DELIVERED → Client has 5 days to review
Client manually approves OR auto-approval after 5 days → Payment release triggered
FREE tier: 5%, PRO: 0-2.3%, BUSINESS: 0-1.4% deducted → Net earnings calculated
Net earnings transferred to Stripe Connect → 2-7 days to bank (or instant with PRO)
Auto-approval window
Platform fee (tier & volume based)
Standard payout time
Instant payout (PRO)
Understanding Payment Release
Payment protection ensures you get paid for completed work. Funds are held securely until work is approved, then automatically released to your account.
When Does Payment Release?
Client reviews your work and clicks "Approve" → Payment released immediately → You receive email notification
If client doesn't respond within 5 days → Automatic approval → Payment released without client action (protects freelancers)
For milestone-based projects → Each milestone releases its secured portion upon approval
What Happens After Payment Releases?
PayHeld automatically deducts platform fee based on your tier:
Net earnings (project amount - platform fee) transferred to your Stripe Connect account
Stripe processes payout to your bank account (2-7 business days for standard, <30min for instant)
You receive "Payment Processed" email with payout details, arrival date, and transaction ID
Your Payment Is Guaranteed
Payout Methods
Choose how you want to receive your earnings. Each method has different fees, processing times, and benefits.
Payout Methods Comparison
| Method | Fee | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Stripe Transfer (Standard) | FREE | 2-7 days | Most users ⭐ |
Instant Payout (PRO) | 2.5% + $1.50 | <30 min | Urgent needs |
Instant Payout (BUSINESS) | 1.5% + $1.00 | <30 min | High-volume users |
Platform Wallet | FREE | Instant | Active users |
PayPalComing Soon | $0.99 | Instant | International |
Wire TransferComing Soon | $25 | 3-5 days | Large amounts ($5k+) |
Stripe Transfer
RecommendedDirect transfer to your bank account via Stripe Connect. The default and most reliable method.
Stripe covers ACH fees
Typical: 3-4 days
Verified account + linked bank
Instant Payout
PRO/BUSINESSGet your earnings in under 30 minutes. Available to PRO and BUSINESS tier members.
Example: $1,000 → $23.50 fee
Example: $1,000 → $16 fee
Usually within 15 min
Platform Wallet
Smart ChoiceKeep funds in your PayHeld account for instant access. Use to pay subcontractors or withdraw later.
Stripe Connect Setup
Stripe Connect is required to receive payouts. It's a secure payment infrastructure that handles transfers to your bank account.
You cannot receive payouts until Stripe Connect is fully verified. This usually takes 1-3 business days after submitting your information.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Navigate to your account settings and click on the "Payments" tab. You'll see "Stripe Connect Setup" section.
You'll be redirected to Stripe's secure onboarding page. PayHeld never sees your sensitive information.
Stripe may ask you to upload a photo of your government ID (driver's license, passport). This is for anti-fraud protection.
Stripe reviews your information (usually 1-3 business days). You'll receive email when approved. Status shows in PayHeld settings.
Once verified, you can receive payouts from completed projects. Future payouts are automatic.
Your Information is Secure
Payout Timeline & Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Set Up Your Payouts?
Complete your Stripe Connect setup to start receiving payments from completed projects.